Method for operating an aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generating device, AGD. The method may comprise a step of receiving, by the AGD, an input from a user initiating usage of the AGD. The input may comprise a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. The method may comprise a step of issuing, by the AGD, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. In addition, a corresponding AGD and computer program are disclosed.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR OPERATING AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol generation devices (AGDs), and more particularly to techniques for operating an AGD. Certain embodiments may provide user guidance for an improved usage of the AGD.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] AGDs, such as Electronic-cigarettes (E-cigarettes) or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), have become a popular alternative to traditional tobacco combustible products, such as roll-your-own / make-your-own tobacco and ready-made cigarettes. Several types of AGDs are currently available on the market, based on varying aerolization technologies and aerosol-generating substrates.

[0006] A particular type of AGDs presently on the market evaporates or vaporizes a liquid (known as e-liquid) contained in a reservoir, wherein the liquid may or may not comprises nicotine to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. These liquid-based AGDs are convenient for users seeking an instant generation of an inhalable aerosol.

[0007] Some liquid-based AGDs work with a consumable article, a cartridge or a capsule, which is received in the device. The consumable article is typically equipped with a reservoir for the liquid, and a heating element. During usage, e.g., when a user draws on a mouthpiece of the AGD, liquid is guided from the reservoir towards the heating element, to generate an inhalable aerosol. The heating element could be heated for instance using a coil. Typically, a wick is applied to convey liquid from the reservoir to the heating element. The liquids stored in the consumable article are often made from a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings and / or nicotine. Alternatively, vaporizable nicotine containing liquids may be derived directly from tobacco materials, and are known as tobacco liquids, or T-liquids. Such T-liquids may still comprise PG and VG, and tobacco material or particles within the liquid solution. The nicotine present in the liquid then essentially originates from natural tobacco materials. Another subset of AGDs is heated tobacco products, also known as “heat-not-burn” (HNB) products and / or systems. These HNB systems can generate an inhalable aerosol from heating a tobacco containing substrate, usually in solid or pulverulent form. Such HNB systems require an electronic device comprising a heating unit to heat up a tobacco containing substrate instead of burning tobacco as performed in conventional cigarettes.

[0008] However, usage or operation of the known AGDs is oftentimes inefficient when it comes to resource usage (e.g., substance consumption) or handling of the AGD.

[0009] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to improve existing AGDs, thereby overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art at least in part.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The objective is met by the subject-matter defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims as well as in the description and the figures.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generating device, AGD. The method may comprise a step of receiving, by the AGD, an input from a user initiating usage of the AGD. The input may comprise a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. The method may comprise a step of issuing, by the AGD, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD.

[0013] By guiding the user during usage of the AGD, operation of the AGD is improved. This way, it is ensured that the AGD can accurately perform the selected pattern of usage (e.g., work according to a breathing routine).

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure the selected pattern may comprise a plurality of breathing actions. Each breathing action may be associated with one or more of a predefined point in time, a predefined duration of the breathing action and a predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0015] This way, an improved customization of the AGD usage is provided. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, a pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user. The method may further comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, a deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern. The method may further comprise a step of issuing, by the AGD, an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD based at least in part on the deviation.

[0016] If it is determined that the user deviates from the initially selected pattern, issuing an additional output can guide the user back on track so that the operation of the AGD is conducted as planned.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user may comprise a plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. Each breathing action may be associated with one or more of a point in time at which the breathing action was performed by the user, a duration of the breathing action performed by the user and a depth of the breathing action performed by the user.

[0018] This way, a comparison between the selected pattern and the pattern of the usage can be conducted on a breathing action level. As a result, accuracy of determining a potential deviation is increased.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of performing, by the AGD, a first comparison of a number of the plurality breathing actions with a number of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. The step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the first comparison.

[0020] Comparing the numbers of breathing actions provides insights about whether the user is performing the actions too fast (e.g., if the number of performed breathing actions is larger than the breathing number of actions of the selected pattern) or too slow (e.g., if the number of performed breathing actions is smaller than the number of breathing actions of the selected pattern). Therefore, the additional output may be issued in a way that the user performs the predefined number of breathing actions. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of performing, by the AGD, a second comparison of a predefined point in time associated with a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding point in time at which an associated breathing action was performed by the user. The step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the second comparison.

[0021] Comparing the points in time of the breathing actions provides insights about whether the user has issues following a rhythm of breathing actions as defined by the selected pattern. Therefore, the additional output may be issued in a way that timing of the user’s breathing actions is aligned with the selected pattern.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of performing, by the AGD, a third comparison of a predefined duration of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding duration of a breathing action performed by the user. The step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the third comparison.

[0023] Comparing the durations of the breathing actions provides insights about whether the user has issues dragging for the predefined duration. For example, if a user drags too strongly / deeply, the user may not be able to drag for the predefined duration. Therefore, the additional output may be issued in a way that the duration of the user’s breathing actions is aligned with the selected pattern.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of performing, by the AGD, a fourth comparison of a predefined depth of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding depth of a breathing action performed by the user. The step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise a step of determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the fourth comparison.

[0025] Comparing the depth of the breathing actions provides insights about whether the user drags too strongly or too slightly. For example, if a user drags too strongly / deeply, the user may experience an unpleasant experience, because too much predetermined substance is released. On the other hand, if the user drags too slightly, the user may experience an unpleasant experience, because not enough predetermined substance is released. Therefore, the additional output may be issued in a way that the depth of the user’s breathing actions is aligned with the selected pattern.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of adjusting, by the AGD, one or more operational parameters of the AGD based at least in part on the selected pattern, the determined pattern and / or the determined deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more operational parameters of the AGD may comprise one or more of an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action, a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the AGD, and an amount of vapor released per breathing action.

[0028] This way, configuration of the AGD may be adjusted on the fly (i.e., during usage of the AGD), which improves the operating efficiency of the AGD. For example, if is determined that the user is successively dragging too strongly or too slightly, the amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action can be adjusted accordingly.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the step of issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern may comprise a step of issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a duration of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action. A point in time of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action. An intensity of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0031] By issuing output via user interfaces of the AGD depending on the selected pattern and corresponding breathing action parameters, guidance of the usage of the AGD by the user is improved.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more user interfaces of the AGD may comprise one or more of a vibration user interface, preferably a vibration actuator, a light-emitting user interface, preferably an LED, and an audio interface, preferably a speaker.

[0033] Different user interfaces may improve the guidance of the user, e.g., depending on current environmental circumstances or preferences of the user. For example, vibration or audio maybe advantageous if the user intends to use the AGD with closed eyes. For example, light may be advantageous if the user intends to use the AGD in silence. A combination of different user interfaces may be advantageous, if the user requests a very accurate guiding during the usage.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, AGD, comprising means for performing the method of any one of the aspects described herein.

[0035] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the aspects described herein.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following, preferred embodiments are described, by way of example only.

[0038] Reference is made to the following accompanying figures: Fig. 1 illustrates a first implementation of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates a second implementation of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a third implementation of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.4 illustrates an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary issuing of an additional output in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the following, representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be explained. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments and the following descriptions refer to examples which are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates a first implementation too of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In step 102, a user of the AGD may decide to initiate a guided breathing session. For example, initiating usage of the AGD may be done via a user interface of the AGD (e.g., via a button, via voice command, via a certain movement, for example from standstill to moving, via touch or tapping) or via a user interface of another device connected to the AGD (e.g., via a user interface of a smartphone, a smartwatch etc.) or automatically by the AGD (e.g. using for example a pressure sensor detecting a user puff).

[0047] In step 104, the user may select a breathing routine. For example, the AGD may receive an input from the user initiating the usage of the AGD. The input may comprise a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD (e.g., the selected breathing routine). The selected pattern may comprise a plurality of breathing actions. Each breathing action maybe associated with one or more of a predefined point in time (e.g., a point in time in which the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine), a predefined duration of the breathing action (e.g., defined in seconds) and a predefined depth of the breathing action (e.g., defined in ml).

[0048] In step 106, a user interface (e.g., a user interface of the AGD or a user interface of another device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch etc., connected to the AGD) may be used to guide the user through the breathing routine selected in step 104. Step 106 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine).

[0049] For example, the AGD may issue a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD (or of another device connected to the AGD) for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. A sequence of outputs as referred to throughout this disclosure may comprise one or more outputs, which may be issued in a predefined manner. The one or more user interfaces used for issuing the sequence of outputs for guiding the usage may comprise one or more of a vibration user interface (e.g., a vibration actuator) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD, a light-emitting user interface (e.g., an LED) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD and an audio interface (e.g., a speaker) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD.

[0050] Issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern may comprise issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD. A duration of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action. A point in time of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action. An intensity of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0051] In step 108, the routine may end.

[0052] Fig. 2 illustrates a second implementation 200 of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps 202, 204 and 206 may relate to the steps 102, 104 and 106 of implementation 100. Thus, the aspects described with respect to the steps 102, 104 and 106 may also apply to steps 202, 204 and 206, respectively. In step 202, a user of the AGD may decide to initiate a guided breathing session. For example, initiating usage of the AGD may be done via a user interface of the AGD (e.g., via a button, via voice command, via a certain movement, for example from standstill to moving, via touch or tapping) or via a user interface of another device connected to the AGD (e.g., via a user interface of a smartphone, a smartwatch etc.).

[0053] In step 204, the user may select a breathing routine. For example, the AGD may receive an input from the user initiating the usage of the AGD. The input may comprise a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD (e.g., the selected breathing routine). The selected pattern may comprise a plurality of breathing actions. Each breathing action maybe associated with one or more of a predefined point in time (e.g., a point in time in which the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine), a predefined duration of the breathing action (e.g., defined in seconds) and a predefined depth of the breathing action (e.g., defined in ml).

[0054] In step 206, a user interface (e.g., a user interface of the AGD or a user interface of another device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch etc., connected to the AGD) may be used to guide the user through the breathing routine selected in step 204. Step 206 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine).

[0055] For example, the AGD may issue a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD (or of another device connected to the AGD) for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. A sequence of outputs as referred to throughout this disclosure may comprise one or more outputs, which may be issued in a predefined manner. The one or more user interfaces used for issuing the sequence of outputs for guiding the usage may comprise one or more of a vibration user interface (e.g., a vibration actuator) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD, a light-emitting user interface (e.g., an LED) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD and an audio interface (e.g., a speaker) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD.

[0056] Issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern may comprise issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD. A duration of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action. A point in time of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action. An intensity of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0057] In step 208, which may be executed in parallel to step 206, one or more sensors may measure a depth and / or a rate of breathing of the user. Step 208 maybe executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine). Step 208 may be executed for certain number of times. The number may depend on processing capabilities of the sensors, on processing capabilities of processing elements (e.g., processor / computer of the AGD or a processor / computer of another device connected to the AGD) processing the sensor measurements or any combination of thereof.

[0058] For example, the AGD may determine a pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user. The pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user may comprise a plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. Each breathing action may be associated with one or more of a point in time at which the breathing action was performed by the user, a duration of the breathing action performed by the user and a depth of the breathing action performed by the user. Said determining may be done using the one or more sensors such as a flow sensor and an accelerometer. In addition or alternatively, determining maybe done using corresponding detection algorithms. The AGD may determine a deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

[0059] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a first comparison of a number of the plurality breathing actions with a number of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. In other words, the AGD compares whether the user has performed the same amount of breathing actions as defined in the selected pattern. The deviation maybe determined based at least in part on the first comparison.

[0060] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a second comparison of a predefined point in time associated with a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding point in time at which an associated breathing action was performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user breathes at the predefined point in times. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the second comparison.

[0061] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a third comparison of a predefined duration of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding duration of a breathing action performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user breathes for the predefined duration. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the third comparison.

[0062] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a fourth comparison of a predefined depth of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding depth of a breathing action performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user follows the predefined breathing depth. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the fourth comparison.

[0063] It is to be understood that any combination of the above-mentioned comparisons can be performed and that the deviation may be determined based on said combination of comparisons.

[0064] In step 210, output of a user interface (e.g., the user interface of step 206) may be adapted (e.g., based on the measured depth and / or rate of breathing) to help the user to better follow the sequence of the selected breathing routine. Step 210 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine). Step 210 may be executed in response to the execution of step 208 (e.g., each time a new sensor measurement is obtained by executing step 208, step 210 may be executed in response). For example, the AGD may issue an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD based at least in part on the deviation (as determined in step 208).

[0065] In step 212, the routine may end. Fig. 3 illustrates a third implementation 300 of a method for operating an AGD in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps 302, 304, 306, 308 and 312 may relate to the steps 202, 204, 206, 208 and 210 of implementation 200. Thus, the aspects described with respect to the steps 202, 204, 206, 208 and 210 may also apply to steps 302, 304, 306, 308 and 312, respectively.

[0066] In step 302, a user of the AGD may decide to initiate a guided breathing session. For example, initiating usage of the AGD may be done via a user interface of the AGD (e.g., via a button, via voice command, via a certain movement, for example from standstill to moving, via touch or tapping) or via a user interface of another device connected to the AGD (e.g., via a user interface of a smartphone, a smartwatch etc.).

[0067] In step 304, the user may select a breathing routine. For example, the AGD may receive an input from the user initiating the usage of the AGD. The input may comprise a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD (e.g., the selected breathing routine). The selected pattern may comprise a plurality of breathing actions. Each breathing action maybe associated with one or more of a predefined point in time (e.g., a point in time in which the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine), a predefined duration of the breathing action (e.g., defined in seconds) and a predefined depth of the breathing action (e.g., defined in ml).

[0068] In step 306, a user interface (e.g., a user interface of the AGD or a user interface of another device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch etc., connected to the AGD) may be used to guide the user through the breathing routine selected in step 204. Step 306 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine).

[0069] For example, the AGD may issue a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD (or of another device connected to the AGD) for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD. A sequence of outputs as referred to throughout this disclosure may comprise one or more outputs, which may be issued in a predefined manner. The one or more user interfaces used for issuing the sequence of outputs for guiding the usage may comprise one or more of a vibration user interface (e.g., a vibration actuator) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD, a light-emitting user interface (e.g., an LED) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD and an audio interface (e.g., a speaker) of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD.

[0070] Issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern may comprise issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD. A duration of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action. A point in time of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action. An intensity of the issuing of the output may depend at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0071] In step 308, which may be executed in parallel to step 206, one or more sensors may measure a depth and / or a rate of breathing of the user. Step 308 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine). Step 308 may be executed for certain number of times. The number may depend on processing capabilities of the sensors, on processing capabilities of processing elements (e.g., processor of the AGD or a processor of another device connected to the AGD) processing the sensor measurements or any combination of thereof.

[0072] For example, the AGD may determine a pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user. The pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user may comprise a plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. Each breathing action may be associated with one or more of a point in time at which the breathing action was performed by the user, a duration of the breathing action performed by the user and a depth of the breathing action performed by the user. Said determining may be done using the one or more sensors such as a flow sensor and an accelerometer. In addition or alternatively, determining may be done using corresponding detection algorithms. The AGD may determine a deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

[0073] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a first comparison of a number of the plurality breathing actions with a number of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user. In other words, the AGD compares whether the user performed the same amount of breathing actions as defined in the selected pattern. The deviation maybe determined based at least in part on the first comparison.

[0074] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a second comparison of a predefined point in time associated with a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding point in time at which an associated breathing action was performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user breathes at the predefined point in times. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the second comparison.

[0075] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a third comparison of a predefined duration of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding duration of a breathing action performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user breathes for the predefined duration. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the third comparison.

[0076] Determining the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern may comprise performing, by the AGD, a fourth comparison of a predefined depth of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding depth of a breathing action performed by the user. In other words, the AGD may check whether the user follows the predefined breathing depth. The deviation may be determined based at least in part on the fourth comparison.

[0077] It is to be understood that any combination of the above-mentioned comparisons can be performed and that the deviation may be determined based on said combination of comparisons.

[0078] In step 310, output of the AGD may be adjusted according to the selected routine and the breath measurement (e.g., the depth and / or the rate of the breathing of the user). Step 310 maybe executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine). Step 310 maybe executed in response to the execution of step 308 (e.g., each time a new sensor measurement is obtained by executing step 308, step 310 maybe executed in response). For example., the output of the AGD may be adjusted by adjusting one or more operational parameters of the AGD based at least in part on the selected pattern, the determined pattern and / or the determined deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

[0079] The one or more operational parameters may comprise an amount of predetermined substance, a total amount of predetermined and an amount of vapor released per breathing action. A predetermined substance as referred to throughout this disclosure maybe a flavoring, tobacco and / or nicotine. The one or more operational parameters may comprise parameters associated with the selected or determined pattern of usage (e.g., breathing depth, breathing duration, breathing timing or number of breathing actions).

[0080] In step 312, output of a user interface (e.g., the user interface of step 206) may be adapted (e.g., based on the measured depth and / or rate of breathing) to help the user to better follow the sequence of the selected breathing routine. Step 312 may be executed for a certain duration (e.g., the duration of the selected breathing routine). Step 312 maybe executed in response to the execution of step 308 (e.g., each time a new sensor measurement is obtained by executing step 308, step 312 maybe executed in response) and / or in response to the execution of step 310 (e.g., each time the AGD output is adjusted). For example, the AGD may issue an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD based at least in part on the deviation (as determined in step 308).

[0081] In step 314, the routine may end.

[0082] Fig.4 illustrates an AGD 400 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The AGD may comprise means 406-408 for performing the method of any one of the aspects described herein. The means 406-408 may comprise one or more processing elements (e.g., for executing instructions of a computer program, for processing of sensor data etc., like for example a processor and / or a programmable circuitry). The means 406-408 may comprise one or more sensors. The means 406-406 may comprise one or more user interfaces (e.g., for receiving input and / or for issuing output). The means 406-408 may comprise one or more connectivity interfaces (e.g., for connecting the AGD with another device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch etc.). The means 406-408 may comprise a power supply. The means 406-408 may comprise heating means to provide energy to a heating element of a consumable article 402 of the AGD or to heat directly at least a part of the consumable article 402. The heating means may be a coil or an induction coil configured to heat the heating element of the consumable article 402 by induction when the power supply is connected to the heating means. The heating means may generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field for heating the heating element of the consumable article 402.

[0083] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplaiy issuing of an additional output in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As explained for example with respect to Figs. 2-3, the AGD may issue an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD and / or of another device connected to the AGD based at least in part on the deviation. Said additional output maybe issued (e.g., via one or more corresponding user interface(s)) to help the user to better follow the selected pattern.

[0084] The example of Fig. 5 illustrates a diagram 500 of an optimal pattern (i.e., a selected pattern of usage of the AGD), a user’s pattern (i.e., a determined pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user) as well as a feedback pattern (i.e., an additional output used for helping the user to better follow the selected pattern).

[0085] As one can see, the user’s pattern deviates from the optimal pattern, because the user is using the AGD slower than the user is supposed to according to the selected pattern. In other words, there may be a deviation in form of a delay between the selected pattern and the determined pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user.

[0086] The additional output may be issued to reduce this deviation. The additional output maybe expressed in form of a gradient. The gradient may comprise a varying shape (e.g., different timing and intensity) depending on the deviation. For example, in the illustrated example in which the user’s pattern is slightly delayed compared to the optimal pattern, the timing of the additional output may be adjusted so that the additional output is issued slightly earlier so that the delay of the user’s pattern can be compensated resulting in a reduced deviation between the optimal and the user’s pattern. The same procedure may be applied with respect to a deviation in the patterns caused by other characteristics of deviating breathing actions (e.g., deviating duration, deviating depth etc.). For example, if the duration of the user’s breathing action(s) is deviating from the selected / optimal pattern (e.g., the duration is smaller than it is supposed to be), the additional output may be issued in a way that a duration of the issuing is adjusted (e.g., increased) so that the user is guided to increase his breathing duration. For example, if the depth of the user’s breathing action(s) is deviating from the selected / optimal pattern (e.g., the depth is smaller than it is supposed to be), the additional output may be issued in a way that an intensity of the issuing is adjusted (e.g., increased) so that the user is guided to increase his breathing depth. The same procedures may of course be used to achieve the opposite (i.e., reduce a duration, reduce a depth and / or to overcome too early breathing actions).

[0087] As used herein the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and maybe abbreviated as “ / ”.

[0088] Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step.

[0089] Analogously, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus.

[0090] Some or all of the method steps may be executed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, like for example, a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some one or more of the most important method steps maybe executed by such an apparatus.

[0091] Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a non-transitory storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disc, a DVD, a Blu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, and EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

[0092] Some embodiments according to the present disclosure comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed. Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may, for example, be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0093] Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0094] In other words, an embodiment of the present disclosure is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0095] In the following, further embodiments are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention:

[0096] 1. Computer-implemented method (100, 200, 300) for operating an aerosol generating device, AGD, (400), the method comprising: receiving (104, 204, 304), by the AGD, an input from a user initiating usage of the AGD, wherein the input comprises a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD; issuing (106, 206, 306), by the AGD, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD.

[0097] 2. The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the selected pattern comprises: a plurality of breathing actions, each breathing action being associated with one or more of a predefined point in time, a predefined duration of the breathing action and a predefined depth of the breathing action.

[0098] 3. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: determining, by the AGD, a pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user; determining, by the AGD, a deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern; and issuing, by the AGD, an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD based at least in part on the deviation.

[0099] 4. The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user comprises: a plurality of breathing actions performed by the user, each breathing action being associated with one or more of a point in time at which the breathing action was performed by the user, a duration of the breathing action performed by the user and a depth of the breathing action performed by the user.

[0100] 5. The method of embodiments 2 and 4, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a first comparison of a number of the plurality breathing actions with a number of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the first comparison.

[0101] 6. The method of embodiments 2 and 4, or embodiment 5, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a second comparison of a predefined point in time associated with a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding point in time at which an associated breathing action was performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the second comparison.

[0102] 7. The method of embodiments 2 and 4, or embodiment 5 or 6, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a third comparison of a predefined duration of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding duration of a breathing action performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the third comparison.

[0103] 8. The method of embodiments 2 and 4, or any one of embodiments 5-7, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a fourth comparison of a predefined depth of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding depth of a breathing action performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the fourth comparison.

[0104] 9. The method of any one of embodiments 3-8, wherein the method further comprises: adjusting, by the AGD, one or more operational parameters of the AGD based at least in part on the selected pattern, the determined pattern and / or the determined deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

[0105] 10. The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more operation parameters of the AGD comprise one or more of: an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action, a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the AGD, and an amount of vapor released per breathing action.

[0106] 11. The method of any one of embodiments 2-10, wherein issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern comprises: issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD.

[0107] 12. The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein a duration of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action; and / or wherein a point in time of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action; and / or wherein an intensity of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action. 13. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more user interfaces of the AGD comprise one or more of: a vibration user interface, preferably a vibration actuator; a light-emitting user interface, preferably an LED; and an audio interface, preferably a speaker. 14. An aerosol generating device, AGD, (400), comprising means (406, 408) for performing the method of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0108] 15. A computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments 1-

[0109] 13-

Claims

Claims1. Computer-implemented method (too, 200, 300) for operating an aerosol generating device, AGD, (400), the method comprising: receiving (104, 204, 304), by the AGD, an input from a user initiating usage of the AGD, wherein the input comprises a selected pattern for the usage of the AGD, wherein the selected pattern comprises a plurality of breathing actions; issuing (106, 206, 306), by the AGD, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the AGD for guiding the usage of the AGD by the user according to the selected pattern for the usage of the AGD; determining, by the AGD, a pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user, wherein the pattern of the usage of the AGD by the user comprises a plurality of breathing actions performed by the user; determining, by the AGD, a deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a first comparison of a number of the plurality breathing actions with a number of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the first comparison.

2. The method of the preceding claim, with each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions being associated with one or more of a predefined point in time, a predefined duration of the breathing action and a predefined depth of the breathing action.

3. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:issuing, by the AGD, an additional output via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD based at least in part on the deviation.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, with each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions performed by the user being associated with one or more of a point in time at which the breathing action was performed by the user, a duration of the breathing action performed by the user and a depth of the breathing action performed by the user.

5. The method of claims 2 and 4, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a second comparison of a predefined point in time associated with a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding point in time at which an associated breathing action was performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the second comparison.

6. The method of claims 2 and 4, or claim 5, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises: performing, by the AGD, a third comparison of a predefined duration of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding duration of a breathing action performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the third comparison.

7. The method of claims 2 and 4, or any one of claims 5-6, wherein determining, by the AGD, the deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern comprises:performing, by the AGD, a fourth comparison of a predefined depth of a breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions with a corresponding depth of a breathing action performed by the user; and determining, by the AGD, the deviation based at least in part on the fourth comparison.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the method further comprises: adjusting, by the AGD, one or more operational parameters of the AGD based at least in part on the selected pattern, the determined pattern and / or the determined deviation between the selected pattern and the determined pattern.

9. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the one or more operation parameters of the AGD comprise one or more of: an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action, a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the AGD, and an amount of vapor released per breathing action.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein issuing the sequence of outputs via the one or more user interfaces of the AGD according to the selected pattern comprises: issuing, by the AGD, for each breathing action of the plurality of breathing actions a corresponding output of the sequence of outputs via one or more of the one or more user interfaces of the AGD.

11. The method of the preceding claim when depending on claim 2, wherein a duration of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined duration associated with the breathing action; and / or wherein a point in time of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined point in time associated with the breathing action; and / orwherein an intensity of the issuing of the output depends at least in part on the predefined depth of the breathing action.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more user interfaces of the AGD comprise one or more of: a vibration user interface, preferably a vibration actuator; a light-emitting user interface, preferably an LED; and an audio interface, preferably a speaker.

13. An aerosol generating device, AGD, (400), comprising means (406, 408) for performing the method of any one of the preceding claims.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a processor of an AGD cause the AGD to perform the method of any one of the claims 1- 12.

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